[SOLVED] Faster USB-A Extension Cable?

[Muckster]

I've researched this but I'm still confused by 3.1 and 3.2 standards. I don't really have devices that are going to push the fastest data, but I'd like to just get the fastest cable for future proofing.

Do they make a 3.2 USB-A extension cable? I'm looking for a true spoon feed here. I just need a 5 or 6 foot cable. What should I be searching for at Amazon?

Thanks!

 

[kerberos_20]

longer it is, slower it will be...usb A is 5Gbit, cable length with passive cable is about 2-3meters (6-9ft), with active cable it can be a little bit more, if you need fastest and longest then go for usb over cat5e/cat6 (100meters) and if you need even more length (200m?) go for usb over fiber

 

[Muckster]

longer it is, slower it will be...usb A is 5Gbit, cable length with passive cable is about 2-3meters (6-9ft), with active cable it can be a little bit more, if you need fastest and longest then go for usb over cat5e/cat6 (100meters) and if you need even more length (200m?) go for usb over fiber

Well, about 5 feet is all I need so length isn't an issue. I don't want or need an active cable.

So USB-A tops out at 5Gbit? That's fine. Can I just get a USB 3.0 rated cable or do I need to look for 3.1, 3.2, or some other criteria?

Thanks

 

[Karadjgne]

Most A-A cables you'll find are 3.0, the old naming. 3.0 was renamed 3.1 Gen 1.
USB 3.2 Gen 1×1 5 Gbps (SuperSpeed) 5 Gbps
USB 3.2 Gen 2×1 10 Gbps (SuperSpeed+) 10 Gbps
USB 3.2 Gen 1×2 5 Gbps (SuperSpeed) 10 Gbps
USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 10 Gbps (SuperSpeed+) 20 Gbps

1x1/2x1 use single lane, 1x2/2x2 use dual lane which doubles transfer speeds.

USB got seriously befuddled with naming practices, so when you see a 3.1 cable advertised it's really a 3.0 cable, but the manufacturer wants you to think it's something faster. 3.2 Gen2 2x2 is most normally type-C connectivity.

There's really no future proofing, usb4 is right around the corner and 4.0 1x2 will be capable of 40Gbps vs 3.2 Gen2 2x2 20Gbps. For comparison, most newer external hdds are pushing @ 85Mbps. Even Gen3 nvme read speeds is only @ 2Gbps.

Its not the transfer/bandwidth speeds that are the issue, it's the capability of the equipment to make the transfer or receive it.

 

[Muckster]

USB got seriously befuddled with naming practices, so when you see a 3.1 cable advertised it's really a 3.0 cable, but the manufacturer wants you to think it's something faster. 3.2 Gen2 2x2 is most normally type-C connectivity.

Right, I was seeing the "C" but not the "A".

Wow, thanks for all the detailed info. I didn't even know USB 4 wasn't far off. I think you're saying USB-A 3.0 will still give me up to 5 Gbps, so I'll just get a 3.0.

Thank you.